Abstract: An apparatus and method for exposing a container to a controlled environment. The apparatus includes an elongated rail with first, second, and third manifolds positioned in substantial alignment with the container. The first, second, and third manifolds are adapted for providing flow of a gas therethrough. At least one gas flow regulator is operably attached to the first, second, and third manifolds. At least one nozzle is positioned adjacent the second manifold. The at least one nozzle is adapted for providing a composite gas stream exiting through the second manifold. The method includes providing an elongated rail with first, second, and third manifolds positioned in substantial alignment with the container. A flow of a gas is regulated through the first, second, and third manifolds. A composite gas stream is provided exiting through the second manifold.

Abstract: A tamper evident container includes a storage element having a flange extending outwardly from a top edge, and a lid having top and outer walls configured to fit over the flange of the storage element with the outer wall extending below a bottom edge of the flange. The outer wall may include an inwardly extending locking indentation engaging the bottom edge of the flange of the storage element to retain the lid on the storage element and prevent it from being removed without permanently deforming at least one of the lid and the storage element, The lid further includes a line of reduced strength extending along a portion of the top wall and/or outer wall to detach a portion of the outer wall and disengage the locking indentation from the flange to allow the lid to be disengaged from the flange without further permanent deformation of the lid or the storage element.

Abstract: A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product may include a sealed package formed from a single sheet of film and retaining the quantity of the product disposed therein, and a lid fitment attached to a first side of the package. The first side of the package may have an outer first surface of the film and outwardly extending first corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the first side and surrounding the first side of the package. The package may also have a second side disposed opposite the first side and outwardly extending second corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the second side and surrounding the second side of the package. The lid fitment may include a base having a central opening and a lid having a complimentary shape to the base to form a seal therebetween when the lid is closed down onto the base.

Abstract: A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product may include a sealed package formed from a single sheet of film and retaining the quantity of the product disposed therein, and a lid fitment attached to a first side of the package. The first side of the package may have an outer first surface of the film and outwardly extending first corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the first side and surrounding the first side of the package. The package may also have a second side disposed opposite the first side and outwardly extending second corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the second side and surrounding the second side of the package. The lid fitment may include a base having a central opening and a lid having a complimentary shape to the base to form a seal therebetween when the lid is closed down onto the base.

Abstract: A dispensing bag for product includes a product containment portion and at least one spout receiving portion in communication with the product containment portion. The bag further includes a lower sealed region adjacent a bottom end of the containment portion including at least one bag alignment indicator, wherein the bag alignment indicator allows alignment with a valve to position the spout receiving portion to receive a dispenser spout.

Abstract: A multiflow gassing system for providing controlled environment gas to a lid and container, the system including a lid carrier; and a gas rail assembly adjacent the lid carrier, the gas rail assembly having a top portion including a top portion gas outlet, an end portion including a end portion gas outlet, and a plate adjacent the end portion. The top portion gas outlet is oriented to direct the controlled environment gas into the lid and the end portion gas outlet is oriented to direct the controlled environment gas into a lid-container engagement region.

Abstract: A gassing system includes a gassing device, a pressure regulator in communication with the gassing device and a gas source and a PLC electrically connected to the pressure regulator. In addition, the system includes a removable orifice in communication with the pressure regulator, wherein the pressure regulator controls gas flow responsive to a signal sent from the PLC and wherein gas exiting the pressure regulator flows directly into and through the orifice and directly into the gassing device.

Abstract: A compact gassing lance including tubing having a tubing plenum and a distribution opening; a supply line operably connected to supply gas to the tubing plenum; and a screen attached to the tubing over the distribution opening and forming a screen plenum; wherein the screen plenum receives directional gas flow from the distribution opening and laminarizes the directional gas flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gassing lance including a base and an extension. The base includes a docking port connectable to an input member for transmitting gas to the gassing lance, and the extension includes laminar and accelerator gassing elements for transmitting gas through the gassing lance at first and second flow rates. The gassing lance is affixable within a conventional forming tube of a packaging machine. The invention also provides a gas control panel for controlling and directing gas flow. The gas control panel includes first and second circuits for controlling laminar and accelerator gas flow, respectively, through the gassing lance. The gas control panel also includes a Programmagle Logic Control for controlling the first and second circuits based upon a desired gas characteristic input at an operator interface, and measured by a gas analyzer, thereby providing real-time-control of gas characteristics of gas exiting through the gassing lance.

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing a container traveling along a conveyor to a controlled environment is provided. The apparatus includes an elongated rail and a first elongated gas deflecting member. The elongated rail includes a longitudinally oriented manifold. The longitudinally oriented manifold is adapted to align with a path of the container. The elongated rail also includes at least one inlet opening to receive a controlled environment gas. The first elongated gas deflecting member is positioned adjacent to the manifold. The first elongated gas deflecting member is contoured to deflect a flow of the controlled environment gas exiting the manifold in a direction transverse to the path of the container and into the container.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for exposing product-filled container or tray being transported by an intermittent conveyer to a controlled environment are provided. The apparatus may include a vertically reciprocating gassing rail, a stationary gassing rail, and an angled gassing rail. The vertically reciprocating gassing rail includes a rail head and an outer shell, which clamps to the conveyer. High velocity gas is flowed through a longitudinally oriented manifold in the rail head and the exhaust gas is removed by exhaust channels. The stationary rail provides a laminarized flow, and the angled rail provides a stream of controlled environment gas beneath the film which is sealed to the tray.